MAN'S PLACE IN NATURE 



377 



but has adapted his dwellings to suit his environment. 

 (Figure 336). He has lived in almost every conceivable 

 type of house, from caves and huts of skin to the magnifi- 

 cent structures which he is fond of building to-day ; but 

 in every case the influence of man's thought is evident in 

 these structures as they have been varied to fit the condi- 

 tions under which he lives and has lived. 



In the conveniences of the home just as great changes 

 are noticeable. Man has always had fire and water, but 

 their uses have been 

 greatly increased in 

 the last century. 



There are many 

 mythological tales 

 concerning the gift 

 of fire, but so far 

 as we are able to 

 ascertain no savage 

 tribe has been dis- 

 covered that was 

 without this great 

 blessing (Figure 

 337). Among the relics of remotest antiquity pieces of 

 charcoal and burnt bones are found. In his knowledge 

 of fire man differs from all other creatures, since he alone 

 has known how to manage and produce it. 



In our homes the luxuries of a few years ago are neces- 

 sities of to-day. The modern house is equipped with 

 water, gas, electricity, baths, stoves, heating systems, 

 and other contrivances which add greatly to our enjoy- 

 ment of life ; and the coming years will no doubt add 

 many more useful inventions to our already enormous 

 list. 



FlO. 337. Indian Method of Broiling. 



